Is your air conditioning acting unusual? If so, it's good to pay attention because it’s trying to tell you something.
The symptoms of an air conditioner’s problem can tell a lot about the type of issue the system is suffering from. Whether it’s weird noises, leaks, freezing up or another ailment—it all points to a particular culprit and requires a unique fix. By identifying the specific symptoms, it's possible to figure out the potential causes of the problem and determine the best course of action for repairing the air conditioning system.
While the symptoms are often unique, many cooling system issues stem from problems that can be avoided by scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance. That’s because a routine Air conditioner maintenance call includes an inspection and cleaning of your system, as well as looking for any parts that may be wearing out and need replacement or service. This helps locate potential problems before they cause malfunctions or other issues.
Here are a few of the top AC problems and the signals you may see:
Why Does My Air Conditioner Leak?
An air conditioner leaking water can be a common issue. One of the most common causes of an air conditioner leak is a plugged condensate drain line. The condensate drain line is responsible for removing extra moisture from the air conditioning system. When this line becomes slow or stopped up with dirt, debris or mold, water can back up and start to come out of the unit.
Another potential explanation for water leaking from an air conditioner is a damaged or rusted drip pan, which can allow water to overflow and leak out of the unit. In addition, a refrigerant leak or a malfunctioning pump might also cause water to leak from an AC unit.
It's important to address a leaking air conditioner promptly to reduce the amount of damage to your home and be certain that your air conditioning system is operating efficiently. Regular air conditioner maintenance, including exchanging the air filter, checking the condensate drain line and inspecting the unit for damage can help prevent leaks from occurring.
Why Does My Air Conditioner Freeze Up?
If your air conditioner is freezing up, it could be due to a variety of reasons. One typical cause of a frozen air conditioner is limited airflow, which can be caused by a clogged air filter, obstructed ductwork or closed vents. This leads to a buildup of chilled air in the evaporator coil, causing it to freeze.
An additional reason your air conditioner is frozen might be insufficient refrigerant levels, which can cause the evaporator coil to become very cold and freeze. Leaking ducts or cracked insulation can also lead to the buildup of frosty air and cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
To fix a frozen air conditioner, it's important to power down the system so it can thaw completely. After the system has thawed, examine the air filter, ductwork and refrigerant levels to see if anything is malfunctioning. Regular maintenance, including exchanging the air filter and having the system inspected annually by an expert.
Is My Air Conditioner Supposed to Be Loud?
If your air conditioner is making loud noises, it might be a sign that your AC needs service. One prevalent cause of a loud air conditioner is a broken fan motor or a damaged fan belt. The racket could also be a sign the equipment has loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings, which can cause vibrations and rattling sounds.
A noisy air conditioner also might have a dirty condenser coil, which can obstruct airflow and cause the system to work harder, resulting in increased noise. In addition, a defective or old compressor can also cause loud noises from the air conditioner.
Why Is My AC System Not Blowing Cold Air?
One common cause of an air conditioning system not producing cold air is a blocked air filter. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the evaporator coil to become extremely cold and freeze, resulting in not enough cool air. Another plausible reason for this problem is a refrigerant leak.
Low refrigerant levels can also cause the evaporator coil to become too cold and freeze, resulting in a lack of cool air coming from your air conditioner. Additionally, a faulty compressor or motor can also cause a lack of cool air. To rectify this particular problem, it's important to inspect the air filter and exchange it if necessary.
Why Can't My Air Conditioner Run or Even Turn On?
Your air conditioning system might not start up because of a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. To correct this, inspect the electrical panel and reset any tripped breakers or change any blown fuses.
The cause also could be a malfunctioning thermostat, which can stop the air conditioner from starting. In this case, check the thermostat and replace it, if needed. Additionally, a faulty compressor, motor or capacitor can stop the air conditioner from turning on. In this case, it's best to contact a professional to inspect and service the unit.
Why Is My Air Conditioner Making a Weird Noise?
In addition to the problem of air conditioners running louder than they are supposed to, at times they also make peculiar noises.
One common cause of weird noises is a broken fan motor or a worn-out fan belt. These two dilemmas can cause scraping, squealing or grinding noises. Yet another commonly observed cause is loose parts such as screws, bolts or bearings.
Additionally, a dirty air filter can cause your air conditioning to make a noise similar to wheezing or whistling, while a refrigerant leak can cause hissing or bubbling noises.
As with many air conditioner predicaments, the root cause of uncommon noises is often something that can be reduced by regular air conditioning maintenance.
Get in Touch with Our AC Experts at Everest Heating & Cooling
If your cooling system is having problems, contact the professionals at Everest Heating & Cooling for quality air conditioning repair in Lansing. Whether it’s a weird noise, a leak or another concern, our skilled specialists can get your unit back up and running fast!
If your AC has a nagging issue and demands repeated or very expensive repairs to keep it going, it may be more convenient to replace your aging AC rather than constantly pay pay for service calls. If you need air conditioning installation in Lansing, the first-rate crew at Everest Heating & Cooling can help guide you through the process.
